A woman who illegally misdeclared a package as lingerie and shoes when it really held 57 cacti and succulents has been convicted.
Kirsten Mae Fearn pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Magistrates Court to 14 biosecurity charges on Friday 25 July. She was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment and released immediately on a Recognizance Release Order (RRO).
Fearn admitted to ongoing illegal misdeclarations and importation of the plants, which involved ongoing illegal importation of plants that she intended to sell online through her business, Rockford Plant House.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry biosecurity officers had intercepted cacti and succulents addressed to Fearn between February 2021 and March 2024.
After intercepting 57 plants in Sydney via air cargo from Hong Kong, on 1 November 2023, an additional 50 succulents were seized at Fearn’s Brisbane home nursery.
Fearn faced a maximum penalty of 10 years jail, a $660,000 fine or both. Penalties are imposed at judges’ discretion.
Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity, Operations and Compliance Justine Saunders said the department has done all it could to deal with the recidivist offender and deter others from committing similar crimes
“We tried to educate the woman with warnings but her illegal activity continued,” Ms Saunders said.
“The department elected to deal with this via criminal prosecution because of the seriousness of the matter.
“Our biosecurity laws are vital to the health of Australia’s economy and environment. Those who risk Australia’s environment by deliberately trying to bypass our strict requirements will be caught and face the consequences.”
“We have more than a thousand biosecurity officers working at our borders and in mailrooms. They are some of the best trained officers in the world and use a variety of sophisticated methods to protect our country from biosecurity threats.
“Australia has an enviable biosecurity record. We protect this through education and targeted regulation. We all need to play our part in keeping Australia safe.”
Illegally imported plants can carry harmful pests and diseases that we don’t have in Australia. If you see something suspicious, report it: Biosecurity Hotline 1800 798 636.
